Information processing apparatus, control method therefor, and program

ABSTRACT

Job management information is analyzed to extract post printing process information on a post printing process from the job management information on the basis of the analysis result. A stylesheet corresponding to the extracted post printing process information is selected from a stylesheet storing unit which stores a stylesheet functioning as layout data for laying out and outputting post printing process information in accordance with the output form of an output destination. Work order form data of the corresponding post printing process is generated on the basis of the selected stylesheet and post printing process information.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatuswhich generates, on the basis of job management information of aprinting job for a printing system that implements various processes bya printing apparatus and post processing apparatus, work order form datafor a post printing process to be executed by the post processingapparatus, a control method therefor, and a program.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There has conventionally been a commercial printing industry in whichprinting is done by contract. In the commercial printing industry, athird party (customer or client) places an order to create a printedproduct (e.g., magazine, newspaper, brochure, advertisement, orgravure), and a desired printed product is created. The created printedproduct is delivered to the ordering client to get the fee of theprinted product from the client. Even now, the commercial printingindustry does business mainly using large-scale printing apparatusessuch as an offset reproduction printing press.

In the commercial printing industry, work proceeds through variousprocesses such as entry, design & layout, comprehensive layout(presentation using a printer output), proofreading (layout correctionand color correction), proof (proof print), block copy preparation,printing, post process, and shipping. The reason of going through theseprocesses is that a block copy must be prepared in this printingenvironment and once the block copy is prepared, it is difficult anddisadvantageous in cost to correct the block copy. Thus, carefulproofreading (layout check and color confirmation) is indispensable.

As described above, in this industry, large-scale apparatuses areneeded, and a long time is taken to create a printed product desired bya client. Work operations require expert knowledge and know-how ofexperts.

Nowadays, with the advent of high-speed and high-image qualityelectrophotographic and inkjet printing apparatuses, a business categoryof print-on-demand (POD) is present against the conventional printingindustry. The POD intends to print many copies and many jobs in a shortdelivery period without using the above-mentioned large-scale printingapparatus or system. The POD allows the advent of a new market wheredigital printing using electronic data is implemented to do business bymaking the best of digital image forming apparatuses such as a digitalcopying machine and digital multi-function peripheral.

In this POD market, printing is merged with digitization more than inthe conventional commercial printing industry, and management andcontrol using computers become widespread. By utilizing this feature,POD printing is coming close to a given printing industry level. In thisbackground, the POD market provides PFP (Print For Pay) which is aprinting service for a copy/print shop, and CRD (CentralizedReproduction Department) which is an in-house printing service.

In today's POD market, several standards have been developed byindustrial groups to aim at implementation of comprehensive businesssupports and efficient business operation. An example of these standardsis a format CIP3 (International Cooperation For Integration of Prepress,Press and Postpress). Another example is JDF (Job Definition Format) inCIP4 (International Cooperation For Integration of Processes inPrepress, Press and Postpress).

A PPF is a format for integrating all printing workflows, i.e.,prepress, press, and postpress, and exchanging data on processes andmanagement between processes. The PPF is based on PostScript®. The PPFis exploited as a standard format which aims to stabilize the quality,reduce errors, increase the process speed, and efficiently operate theproduction equipment by treating various kinds of information such asmanagement information, ink adjustment, and designation of the cuttingposition.

A JDF is a format containing additional information such as thecontrollability of the PPF, prepress work information called PJTF(Portable Job Ticket Format) proposed by Adobe, and control attributes.A feature of the JDF is integration of pieces of information inprepress, press, and postpress, cooperation with the production andprocess control manager, and compatibility with existing systems.

The JDF follows an architecture of exchanging an electronic work orderform called Job Ticket, which is suitable for the PJTF. Thisarchitecture can sequentially execute necessary processes in respectiveprocesses on the basis of the log, work order, management information,and the like, and transfer information on each process to the nextprocess.

The JDF adopts XML (extensible Markup Language) as a language whichconstructs Job Ticket (work order form information to programs anddevices). The JDF defines a template called a schemer which describesXML elements and an attribute array. In accordance with the definedschemer, XML data is rewritten in each process.

By using this format, it is becoming easy to comprehensively manageprocesses from entry from a client to delivery, and manage various kindsof information on a printout.

In order to increase the business efficiency of the operator in the PODmarket, there has conventionally been proposed a technique of supportingand designating the contents of post process work performed by theoperator.

For example, patent reference 1 discloses a technique which allows theoperator, who operates a collator used in a post process to collatedifferent output products into one printed product, to efficiently dowork. More specifically, this reference discloses a configuration inwhich paper sheets each bearing a barcode representing page informationand job information for forming one printed product are printed togetherwith different output products.

By using this technique, the operator suffices to set different printedproducts at respective bins of the collator together withbarcode-printed paper sheets, and designate the start of processing. Atthe same time as the start of processing, the designated collator loadsthe barcode, recognizes the collation order of sheets and a finishingprocess after collation, and generates one printed product.

Patent reference 2 discloses a mechanism which designates collation byprinting, on a cover sheet, coded information recognizable by a finishdevice (collator) when a plurality of different output products arecollated into one printed product, similar to patent reference 1. Inparagraph [0016] of patent reference 2, it is disclosed to printinformation readable by the user (operator) on a cover sheet.

Patent reference 3 discloses a configuration to create an order formrecognizable by the operator and finisher.

In the following description, a post step of executing a post processuses devices called finishers such as a folding machine and cuttingmachine. These devices can be classified into three types.

The first type is a finisher which is directly connected to a printingapparatus and automatically receives paper. This finisher is called an“inline finisher”.

The second type is a finisher which is connected to a network, but isnot directly physically coupled to a printing apparatus, does notautomatically receive paper, and requires the intervention of manualwork of the operator. This finisher is called a “near-line finisher”.

The third type is a finisher which is neither connected to any networknor has any transmission means for information (e.g., a job ticket).This finisher is called an “offline finisher”.

Of these three types of finishers, the present invention is directed tothe near-line finisher and offline finisher which require theintervention of manual work of the operator. The offline finisher whoseproblem is clearer will be explained.

When the offline finisher is used, the operator must sequentially bringprinted products (paper sheets) output from the printing apparatus torespective devices, and perform manual work in accordance withprocedures.

-   [Patent Reference 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-112704-   [Patent Reference 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-509065-   [Patent Reference 3] U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,048

The above-described JDF standard has facilitated data management in theprinting process in the POD market. In practice, however, main work ismanually done by the operator even now in the POD operation environment.

As disclosed in patent references 1 and 2, a post process such asbookbinding is performed for a paper document output from the printingapparatus by using devices called finishers such as a folding machineand cutting machine. In order to obtain a bound product as a finalproduct by using these devices, the operator must sequentially bringprinted products (paper sheets) output from the printing apparatus tothe respective devices, and perform manual work in accordance withprocedures.

To improve this situation, it is conceived to apply standards such asthe JDF not only to process management but also to a printing operationperformed by the operator and finisher management in respective printingprocesses in the future. For this purpose, there is a need for aconfiguration for interpreting a job ticket (e.g., the JDF) described inXML and executing control corresponding to the interpreted contents inthe printing operation and various finishers.

At present, however, job ticket-compatible post processing apparatuseshave not satisfactorily been lined up. In addition, various finishersused in the POD operation are very expensive. Considering this, it isactually difficult to replace current apparatuses with jobticket-compatible post processing apparatuses. Although management ofthe printing process and management of data benefit from job ticketssuch as the JDF, an operation to perform a post process for a printoutdepends on conventional manual work by the operator. It is hard to saythat the productivity of all POD operations increases.

For this reason, techniques of instructing the operator on work, asdisclosed in patent references 1 and 2, are still needed. However, thetechniques described in patent references 1 and 2 do not consider anymethod of interpreting data described in a job ticket and creating anorder form in accordance with the interpretation result so that theoperator can read work contents to be executed by him.

More specifically, in patent reference 1, whether a page has color ormonochrome data is automatically determined or specified by an inputfrom the operator for each page of data to be printed. When jobs areoutput using a color MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) and monochrome MFP,a PDL unit creates a barcode sheet for instructing the collator on workcontents so as to output the barcode sheet together with each job.

In a conventional printing system in which a printing apparatus and postprocessing apparatus are directly connected, the contents of a postprocess set by a driver are transmitted as a post process command to thepost processing apparatus via the printing apparatus. The postprocessing apparatus generally interprets the command to execute the setpost process.

Conventionally, the post processing apparatus directly connected to theprinting apparatus is instructed on a process by a command. Thetechnique in patent reference 1 only replaces a command with aninterpretable barcode when the post processing apparatus is not directlyconnected to the printing apparatus.

That is, the technique described in patent reference 1 is establishedunder a preliminary agreement which enables generating/interpreting acommand, barcode, and the like. This technique cannot be applied toanother environment. As described above, a POD operation is manuallyexecuted by the operator using apparatuses suited to various postprocesses. Also as described above, these apparatuses cannot interpretcommands common to a printing data generation device and post processingdevice in patent reference 1.

The system in patent reference 1 does not consider a main case incurrent POD operations in which the operator uses a plurality of typesof post processing apparatuses (e.g., a folding machine, cuttingmachine, and gluing machine), and sequentially executes manual workoperations using the post processing apparatuses for paper sheets outputfrom the printing apparatus, thereby obtaining a final product (boundproduct). The system in patent reference 1 does not provide anyfundamental solution to problems in the current POD operationenvironment.

The techniques in patent references 2 and 3 more conform to the currentPOD operation environment because a command readable by a finisher and atext readable by the user (operator) are output onto a cover sheet.

Patent references 2 and 3 disclose that the cover sheet describes, asuser-readable information, instructions for folding, stitching, and thelike in steps after stacking together with information on a paper stock,a stacking order, and a printer used for a plurality of outputs whichform a composite document. However, no concrete method of generating thecover sheet itself is disclosed.

In any case, patent references 1 to 3 do not consider effectiveutilization of a job ticket for management of the printing process andinstruction information at the work level of a post printing process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made to overcome the conventionaldrawbacks, and has as its object to provide an information processingapparatus capable of giving a proper work order to the operatorregardless of the contents of a post process and the configuration of apost processing apparatus in a printing environment in which a pluralityof types of post processes including printing are performed using aplurality of post processing apparatuses, a control method therefor, anda program.

According to the present invention, the foregoing object is attained byproviding an information processing apparatus which generates, on thebasis of job management information of a printing job for a printingsystem that implements various processes by a printing apparatus and apost processing apparatus, work order form data of a post printingprocess to be executed by the post processing apparatus, comprising:

analysis means for analyzing the job management information;

extraction means for extracting post printing process information on thepost printing process from the job management information on the basisof an analysis result of the analysis means;

stylesheet storing means for storing a stylesheet for reflecting thepost printing process information in a predetermined format; and

generation means for generating work order form data of the postprinting process on the basis of the stylesheet stored in the stylesheetstoring means and the post printing process information.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises output meansfor outputting the work order form data generated by the generationmeans.

In a preferred embodiment, the output means outputs the work order formdata to a printing apparatus connected via a network.

In a preferred embodiment, the output means includes printing means forprinting a work order form based on the work order form data.

In a preferred embodiment,

the stylesheet storing means stores a plurality of types of stylesheetscorresponding to combinations of types of post printing processes andprocess orders, and

the information processing apparatus further comprises selection meansfor selecting, from the stylesheet storing means, a stylesheetcorresponding to a type of the post printing process that is representedby the post printing process information extracted by the extractionmeans.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises holding meansfor holding post processing apparatus information on a post processingapparatus which executes the post printing process,

wherein the generation means generates work order form data of the postprinting process on the basis of the post processing apparatusinformation, the stylesheet selected by the selection means, and thepost printing process information.

In a preferred embodiment, the post processing apparatus informationincludes an image of the post processing apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment, wherein the generation means generates adisplay image by compositing a predetermined page image together withthe image of the post processing apparatus on the basis of the postprinting process information and the printing job.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises holding meansfor holding operation unit information on an operation unit of a postprocessing apparatus which executes the post printing process,

wherein the generation means generates work order form data of the postprinting process on the basis of the operation unit information, thestylesheet selected by the selection means, and the post printingprocess information.

In a preferred embodiment,

the operation unit information includes an image of the operation unitof the post processing apparatus, and

the generation means generates a display image including a parametersetting value to be displayed at a predetermined position of the imageof the operation unit in accordance with the post printing processinformation.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises operatorinformation storing means for storing operator information on anoperator of the post processing apparatus,

wherein the selection means refers to the operator information storingmeans to select operator information of a post processing apparatuswhich executes the post printing process represented by the postprinting process information extracted by the extraction means, and

the generation means generates work order form data corresponding to theoperator information selected by the selection means.

In a preferred embodiment, the operator information includes skillinformation representing a level of proficiency of an operator at thepost processing apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises postprocessing apparatus information storing means for storing postprocessing apparatus information containing a type of the postprocessing apparatus, a setting item of each type of post processingapparatus, and post processing apparatus information containingpriority,

wherein the stylesheet storing means stores a plurality of types ofstylesheets corresponding to the post processing apparatus information,and

the selection means refers to the post processing apparatus informationstoring means to select post processing apparatus informationcorresponding to the post printing process information extracted by theextraction means, and selects a stylesheet corresponding to the selectedpost processing apparatus information from the stylesheet storing means.

In a preferred embodiment, the priority includes at least one of apriority for each type of post processing apparatus, a priority for eachsetting item, and a priority set for the post processing apparatusinformation.

In a preferred embodiment, the selection means refers to the postprocessing apparatus information storing means and generates, on thebasis of the number of post printing processes, types of the postprinting processes, and setting items that are represented by the postprinting process information extracted by the extraction means,combination information of post processing apparatus information thatsatisfies the post printing process information, and when pieces ofcombination information exist, selects combination information formedfrom a combination having the highest priority from the pieces ofcombination information, and selects a stylesheet corresponding to theselected combination information from the stylesheet storing means.

In a preferred embodiment, when a plurality of stylesheets correspondingto the combination information exist, the selection means selects astylesheet corresponding to the combination information from theplurality of stylesheets in the stylesheet storing means on the basis ofan arrangement position of the post processing apparatus in the printingsystem, a type of post printing process executable by the postprocessing apparatus, and a preset priority that are defined by thestylesheet.

According to the present invention, the foregoing object is attained byproviding a method of controlling an information processing apparatuswhich generates, on the basis of job management information of aprinting job for a printing system that implements various processes bya printing apparatus and a post processing apparatus, work order formdata of a post printing process to be executed by the post processingapparatus, comprising:

an analysis step of analyzing the job management information;

an extraction step of extracting post printing process information onthe post printing process from the job management information on thebasis of an analysis result of the analysis step; and

a generation step of generating work order form data of the postprinting process on the basis of the post printing process information,and a stylesheet stored in a stylesheet storing unit which stores astylesheet for reflecting the post printing process information in apredetermined format.

According to the present invention, the foregoing object is attained byproviding a program for implementing control of an informationprocessing apparatus which generates, on the basis of job managementinformation of a printing job for a printing system that implementsvarious processes by a printing apparatus and a post processingapparatus, work order form data of a post printing process to beexecuted by the post processing apparatus, comprising:

a program code for an analysis step of analyzing the job managementinformation;

a program code for an extraction step of extracting post printingprocess information on the post printing process from the job managementinformation on the basis of an analysis result of the analysis step; and

a program code for a generation step of generating work order form dataof the post printing process on the basis of the post printing processinformation, and a stylesheet stored in a stylesheet storing unit whichstores a stylesheet for reflecting the post printing process informationin a predetermined format.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the workflowconfiguration of a printing system according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of the configuration of a POD systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view showing another example of the configuration of the PODsystem according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a post printing process accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of bookbinding by saddle stitchingaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of bookbinding by glue bindingaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view showing the configuration of an MFP according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the MFPaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a work order form generation process bythe printing system according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a view showing a concrete example of JDF data according tothe first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a view showing a concrete example of a stylesheet accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of the structure of the stylesheetaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a view showing a concrete example of a work order formgenerated by applying a stylesheet to JDF data according to the firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of a printing process by theMFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of a rendering process in stepS1402 according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a stylesheet registration processaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a stylesheet selection process accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a stylesheet registration processaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a printserver according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a work order form generation process by aprinting system according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are views showing examples of image data which arestored for visualization in a stylesheet according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a view showing a concrete example of a work order formgenerated by applying a stylesheet to JDF data according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a work order form generation process by aprinting system according to the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 is a view showing an example of image data which is stored forvisualization in a stylesheet according to the fifth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view showing an application of parameter settingvalues according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a view showing a concrete example of a work order formgenerated by applying a stylesheet to JDF data according to the fifthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a work order form generation process by aprinting system according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 28A and 28B are views for explaining assignment of operatorsaccording to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a block diagram for explaining selection of the stylesheetaccording to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a view showing a concrete example of a work order formgenerated by applying a stylesheet to JDF data according to the sixthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an operator assignment process accordingto the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a table showing an example of an operator skill tableaccording to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a block diagram for explaining selection of the stylesheetaccording to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a view showing a concrete example of the work order formgenerated by applying a stylesheet to JDF data according to the seventhembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an operator skill setting processaccording to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the stylesheet selection processaccording to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a view for explaining an example of the type of post printingprocess and the setting item according to the eighth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 38 is a view showing an example of a finisher information tableaccording to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a view showing a concrete example of a work order formgenerated by applying a stylesheet to JDF data according to the eighthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a view showing another concrete example of the work orderform generated by applying a stylesheet to JDF data according to theeighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a stylesheet selection process accordingto the ninth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 42 is a view showing an example of stylesheet information accordingto the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

In the following embodiments, the above-described JDF format will beemployed and explained as a job ticket. However, the present inventionis not limited to only the JDF format, but may be applied to any jobticket.

The job ticket in the present invention means a data file whichdescribes various kinds of process information on at least a placedprinting order. The process information includes definition informationon executing a pre-printing process (whether a proof exists) onsubmitted printing data, a printout process (e.g., color/monochromesetting information or single/double-side setting information), and apost printing process (e.g., finishing process).

First Embodiment

The first embodiment pays attention to effectively utilizing, even atthe work level of a post printing process, a feature of JDF data whichdescribes information on a post process in advance. The first embodimentprovides a printing system capable of giving a proper work order to theoperator on the basis of information described in JDF data regardless ofthe contents of the post process and the configuration of the postprocessing apparatus. This system implements supports for the operatorand high efficiency of all POD operations in the current POD operationenvironment.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the workflowconfiguration of the printing system according to the first embodimentof the present invention.

Note that the printing system in FIG. 1 is an example of a printingsystem implemented by JDF data serving as management information (jobmanagement information) in various processes (jobs) including a printingprocess and various post printing processes.

In FIG. 1, an MIS server 10 is a system which manages the workflow ofthe whole system from reception of an order to delivery, andcomprehensively manages various kinds of management information andsales information. The MIS server 10 comprises a JDF (Job DefinitionFormat) creation application 11 for creating JDF data 12 correspondingto a job ticket that describes a work order in the workflow.

A print server 20 receives a job input to an MFP 24 serving as a digitalprinting unit, and manages and controls the overall MFP 24. The printserver 20 comprises a JDF parser 21 for interpreting JDF data, a PDLcontroller 22 for processing various PDL data such as PDF/PS, and aprinter interface 23 for connecting a printer engine such as an MFP.

A postpress server 30 receives a job input to a finisher serving as apostpress unit (post processing unit), and comprehensively manages allfinishers. The postpress server 30 comprises a JDF parser 31 forinterpreting JDF data, and a finisher interface for connecting at leastone finisher (post processing apparatus).

In FIG. 1, the postpress server 30 comprises a finisher A interface 32and finisher B interface 33 for connecting a finisher A 34 and finisherB 35. However, in accordance with a necessary number of finishers, acorresponding finisher interface is constructed in the postpress server30.

A workflow based on a job ticket is implemented as follows.

When an order job is input to the MIS server 10, the operator uses theJDF creation application 11 installed in the MIS server 10 to create JDFdata 12 corresponding to a job ticket which describes a work order inthe workflow.

When the created JDF data 12 is transferred to the print server 20, theJDF parser 21 of the print server 20 interprets the JDF data, andexecutes a job for the MFP 24. For example, the JDF data designatesattributes such as the output paper size, single/double-side printing,and N-up. In accordance with the contents of the JDF data, the PDLcontroller 22 processes PDL data such as PDF/PS to be referred to by theJDF data. The PDL controller 22 causes the MFP 24 via the printerinterface 23 to print.

When the JDF data created by the print server 20 is transferred to thepostpress server 30, the JDF parser 31 in the postpress server 30interprets the JDF data, and executes a job for a finisher. For example,the JDF data designates attributes such as case biding, saddlestitching, and cutting. In accordance with the contents of the JDF data,the JDF parser 31 causes the finisher A 34 and finisher B 35 via thefinisher A interface 32 and finisher B interface 33 to execute postprocesses (post printing processes).

The configuration of a POD system will be explained with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of the configuration of the PODsystem according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a POD system in which client PCs 210 and 220 fortransmitting submitted data, a server 200 for receiving submitted dataand generating JDF data, a color MFP 230 for printing data, and anear-line finisher group 2000 (folding machine 240, cutting machine 250,saddle stitching machine 260, case binding machine 270, and the like)are connected to each other via a network 280.

Various devices which construct the POD system transfer JDF data in theorder of the client PC 210 (or 220)→the server 200→the color MFP 230→thenear-line finisher group 2000 via the network 280, thereby generating aprinted product.

To the contrary, FIG. 3 shows a POD system in which a finisher group(offline finisher group 3000) of the folding machine 240, cuttingmachine 250, saddle stitching machine 260, case binding machine 270, andthe like shown in FIG. 2 is disconnected from the network 280.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the respective finishers physically stand alone. Thatis, these finishers do not have a configuration in which output paperprinted by a printing device is conveyed by a physical convey means,unlike the above-described inline finisher. A product output from thecolor MFP 230 is manually conveyed by the operator to a necessaryfinisher, and then undergoes a post process. If post processes by aplurality of finishers are required, an output product undergoesoperations sequentially by the finishers.

The first embodiment will describe a POD system having the offlinefinisher group 3000 in FIG. 3. Needless to say, the present inventioncan also be applied to a POD system having the near-line finisher group2000 in FIG. 2. The present invention can also be applied to a PODsystem in which an inline finisher, near-line finisher, and offlinefinisher coexist.

The flow of post printing processes using offline finishers is shown in,e.g., FIG. 4. It is apparent from FIG. 4 that an output product (paper)is manually conveyed by the operator to each post printing process, anda different offline finisher is used because the post printing processchanges depending on the contents of the process instruction of an inputprinting job.

For example, for job A, a product output from the MFP is manuallyconveyed by the operator to the case binding machine, processed by thecase binding machine, and then delivered/shipped. For job B, a productoutput from the MFP is manually conveyed by the operator to the cuttingmachine, processed by the cutting machine, and then delivered/shipped.For job C, a product output from the MFP is manually conveyed by theoperator sequentially to the case binding machine and cutting machine,processed by the respective devices, and then delivered/shipped.

A concrete example of a post printing process (=offline process) usingan offline finisher will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of bookbinding by saddle stitchingaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, a product (paper) output from the color MFP isstitched at the center of the paper, folded in half, cut at a paperedge, and bound. This bookbinding method is called saddle stitching.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of bookbinding by glue bindingaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, a product output from the color MFP is covered witha larger cover which is glued at the spine. The output product is cut atpaper edges including upper and lower edges, and bound. This bookbindingmethod is called glue binding.

The configuration of a color system MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral)suitably applied to the first embodiment will be explained withreference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the configuration of the MFP according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

A color system MFP 1000 functioning as an image forming apparatus(printing apparatus) is formed from, as main building components, ascanner section (document exposure section) 710, a laser exposuresection 720, an image forming section 730 having a photosensitive drum731, a fixing section 740, a sheet feed/convey section 750, and acontrol section 760 which controls these sections.

The scanner section 710 illuminates a document set on a document table,optically reads the document image, and converts the image into anelectrical signal to create image data.

The laser exposure section 720 emits a light ray such as a laser beammodulated in accordance with image data created by the scanner section710, to a rotary polygon mirror which rotates at an equiangularvelocity. Then, the laser exposure section 720 irradiates thephotosensitive drum 731 with the light ray as reflected scanning light.

The image forming section 730 drives and rotates the photosensitive drum731, charges it by a charger, and develops with toner a latent imageformed on the photosensitive drum 731 by the laser exposure section 720.The image forming section 730 transfers the toner image onto a sheet(printing paper), and recovers a small amount of toner which is nottransferred and remains on the photosensitive drum 731. The imageforming section 730 executes the series of electrophotographic processesto form an image.

At this time, while the sheet is wound at a predetermined position ofthe transfer belt and rotates four times, developing units (developingstations) having magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) tonersrepetitively execute the above-mentioned electrophotographic process inturn. After the sheet rotates four times, the sheet bearing a full-colortoner image in the four colors is separated from the transfer drum, andconveyed to the fixing section 740.

The fixing section 740 is formed from a combination of rollers andbelts. The fixing section 740 incorporates a heat source such as ahalogen heater, and fuses and fixes by heat and pressure the toner onthe sheet on which the toner image is transferred by the image formingsection 730.

The sheet feed/convey section 750 has at least one sheet stockertypified by a sheet cassette or paper deck. The sheet feed/conveysection 750 separates one of sheets stored in the sheet stocker inaccordance with an instruction from the control section 760, and conveysthe sheet sequentially to the image forming section 730 and fixingsection 740. The sheet is wound around the transfer drum of the imageforming section 730, rotates four times, and then is conveyed to thefixing section 740. While the sheet rotates four times, toner images ofthe Y, M, C, and K colors are transferred onto the sheet. To form imageson the two sides of the sheet, the sheet having passed through thefixing section 740 is controlled to pass through a convey path andconvey the sheet to the image forming section 730 again.

The control section 760 communicates with an MFP control section 770which controls the whole MFP 1000, and executes control in accordancewith an instruction from the MFP control section 770. Also, while thecontrol section 760 manages the states of the scanner section 710, laserexposure section 720, image forming section 730, fixing section 740, andsheet feed/convey section 750, it instructs them to keep the balance andoperate smoothly.

The positions of the control section 760 and MFP control section 770 inFIG. 7 are not their physical positions, and are indicated fordescriptive convenience.

The internal configuration of the MFP 1000 will be explained withreference to FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the MFPaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 8, the printing apparatus (MFP) is roughly built by a formattercontrol unit 1100, panel input/output unit 1020, stylesheet storing unit1030, printer interface (I/F) 1200, output control unit 1300, andprinter engine unit 1400.

The printer I/F 1200 controls an external input and output.

The formatter control unit 1100 is made up of a protocol control unit1101, JDF analysis unit 1102, order form generation unit 1103, PDLanalysis unit 1104, data rendering unit 1105, and page memory 1106.

In general, the formatter control unit 1100 is formed from a computersystem having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like.

In the formatter control unit 1100, the protocol control unit 1101communicates with the outside by analyzing and transmitting a networkprotocol. The JDF analysis unit 1102 analyzes received JDF data torecognize a process step and determine whether a post printing processexists. The order form generation unit 1103 composites JDF data and astylesheet to generate PDL data (work order form data) for outputting awork order form. The PDL analysis unit 1104 analyzes PDL data, andconverts it into an intermediate code of an easily processible format.The intermediate code generated by the PDL analysis unit 1104 istransferred to the data rendering unit 1105 and processed by it. Thedata rendering unit 1105 maps the intermediate code into bitmap data,and the obtained bitmap data are sequentially rendered in the pagememory 1106.

The panel input/output unit 1020 controls an input/output to/from theoperation panel (formed from, e.g., a touch panel) of the MFP 1000. Thestylesheet storing unit 1030 stores a plurality of stylesheetscorresponding to the types of post printing processes and their order,and is implemented by, e.g., a secondary storage device such as a harddisk.

Note that the stylesheet functions as layout data for laying out postprinting process information (type, order, and process contents) on apost printing process. The stylesheet defines layout information forgenerating a predetermined format, and information representing which ofregions of the format reflects post printing process information of JDFdata. Data in which post printing process information is laid out can beoutput to the printing apparatus, and in addition, to the display unitof an information processing apparatus, and an external apparatus(server, client, external storage device, and the like) connected to anetwork.

The output control unit 1300 converts the contents of the page memory1106 into an image signal, and transfers the image to the printer engineunit 1400. The printer engine unit 1400 is a printing mechanism forforming a received image signal into a permanent visible image onprinting paper.

The procedures of a whole printing control process according to thefirst embodiment in the printing system having the above configurationwill be explained in turn.

A work order form generation process by the printing system according tothe first embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the work order form generation process bythe printing system according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

This process is implemented by the MFP 1000. However, theabove-described configuration can be applied to the print server 20 toexecute the following process in the print server 20.

In step S1301, JDF data is analyzed. The JDF data describes processsteps in the XML format. In step S1302, it is determined whether a postprinting process is described in the JDF data. If no post printingprocess is described (NO in step S1302), the process ends; if a postprinting process is described (YES in step S1302), the flow advances tostep S1303.

In step S1303, a description corresponding to the post printing processis extracted from the JDF data. In step S1304, a stylesheet is selectedin accordance with a combination of the types of post printing processesand the process order. The stylesheet suffices to have a formatgenerally used to display the layout of XML data.

In step S1305, the stylesheet is applied to the JDF data. Thisapplication process can be easily achieved by a general XML processorwhich composites and lays out XML data and a stylesheet.

Finally in step S1306, the generated data is rendered as work order formdata formed from PDL (rendering) data, and output to the printing unitto generate a work order form.

A concrete example of JDF data will be described with reference to FIG.10.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a concrete example of JDF data according tothe first embodiment of the present invention.

JDF data shown in FIG. 10 describes an order to perform the processes offolding (description 1011), stitching (description 1012), and cutting(description 1013) in the order named. In particular, FIG. 10 shows JDFdata which describes processes including post printing processes in theXML format.

An application of the stylesheet to JDF data will be explained indetail.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a concrete example of the stylesheet accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 11, the stylesheet can be easily created using ageneral XML description format.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of the structure of the stylesheetaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 12, three combinations of post printing processes: (1) fold, (2)fold & stitch, and (3) fold & stitch & cut, and correspondingStylesheets 01 to 03 are stored in a table in the stylesheet storingunit 1030. In accordance with processes described in JDF data to beprocessed, various stylesheets are selected from the stylesheet storingunit 1030.

In the description example of JDF data in FIG. 10, folding, stitching,and cutting are executed, so Stylesheet 03 is selected.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a concrete example of a work order formgenerated by applying a stylesheet to JDF data according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates the printed product of a work order form generatedby applying the stylesheet shown in FIG. 11 to the JDF data shown inFIG. 10. In FIG. 13, the types of post printing processes and theircontents are laid out in items “WORK ORDER” and “PARAMETER”.

More specifically, information on post printing processes is extractedfrom the description contents of JDF data, and an optimal stylesheet isselected on the basis of the extracted information. The descriptioncontents of the JDF data are conformed to and laid out on the selectedstylesheet, thereby creating a work order form readable by the operator,as shown in FIG. 13. The work order form data is included processcontents of post printing processes, as shown in FIG. 13.

An outline of a printout process by the MFP will be explained withreference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of the printing process by theMFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

This printout process shows details of step S1306 in FIG. 9.

In step S1401, PDL data is loaded. In step S1402, a rendering process isexecuted. Details of the rendering process will be described later.After the end of the rendering process, it is determined in step S1403whether unprocessed PDL data remains, i.e., whether to end printing. Ifunprocessed PDL data remains (NO in step S1403), the flow returns tostep S1401; if no unprocessed PDL data remains (YES in step S1403), theprocess ends.

Details of the rendering process in step S1402 of FIG. 14 will beexplained with reference to FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the rendering process in stepS1402 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

This process is a printing control process of executing actual printing.

In step S1501, the PDL analysis unit 1104 determines whether PDL data tobe processed represents the end of the page. If the PDL data representsthe end of the page (YES in step S1501), the flow advances to stepS1506; if the PDL data does not represent the end of the page (NO instep S1501), to step S1502.

In step S1502, it is determined whether an analyzed description in thePDL data requires a mapping process (e.g., text printing or graphicrendering) into the page memory 1106.

If the description does not require any mapping process (NO in stepS1502), the flow advances to step S1505 to immediately perform a processcomplying with the description (e.g., attribute setting or printingposition control). If the description requires the mapping process (YESin step S1502), the flow advances to step S1503 to generate anintermediate code of a format which facilitates the mapping process intobitmap data. In step S1504, upon reception of the intermediate code, thedata rendering unit 1105 executes the mapping process into the pagememory 1106. After the end of the mapping process, the flow returns tostep S1402 in FIG. 14 to repeat the PDL data analysis process.

If the PDL data represents the end of the page in step S1501 (YES instep S1501), the process advances to step S1506. The output control unit1300 converts the contents of the page memory 1106 into an image signalto the printer engine unit 1400, and outputs and transfers the image. Instep S1507, the printer engine unit 1400 forms the received image signalinto a permanent visible image, and prints the image on printing paper.In step S1508, the printing result is delivered, and the printingcontrol process for one page ends.

A stylesheet registration process of registering a stylesheet in thestylesheet storing unit 1030 will be explained with reference to FIG.16.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the stylesheet registration processaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Note that the stylesheet registration process is generally implementedusing a general application in an external apparatus (e.g., PC)connected to the MFP 1000. Alternatively, the stylesheet registrationprocess may also be implemented in the MFP 1000.

In step S1601, it is determined whether a new processing device (offlinefinisher) is installed.

This determination is based on an instruction input which is based on auser operation and represents whether a new processing device isinstalled.

If no new processing device is installed in step S1601 (NO in stepS1601), the process ends; if a new processing device is installed (YESin step S1601), the stylesheet need to be updated, and the flow advancesto step S1602 to classify the functions of the processing device. Thefunctions of the processing device mean various functions such asfolding, stitching, and cutting, and processing devices includesingle-function processing devices and multi-function processingdevices. Processing devices are classified by displaying a list offunctions to be registered, and displaying an operation window capableof selecting a desired function from the list.

In steps S1603 to S1608, functions are registered one by one. Forexample, three functions: stitching (stitch function), folding (foldfunction), and cutting (cut function) will be explained. Each functionis determined on the basis of an instruction input which is based on auser operation and represents whether each function exists.

In step S1603, it is determined whether the processing device has thestitch function. If the processing device does not have any stitchfunction (NO in step S1603), the flow advances to step S1605; if theprocessing device has the stitch function (YES in step S1603), to stepS1604 to add a stitching display layout to the stylesheet.

In step S1605, it is determined whether the processing device has thefold function. If the processing device does not have any fold function(NO in step S1605), the flow advances to step S1607; if the processingdevice has the fold function (YES in step S1605), to step S1606 to add afolding display layout to the stylesheet.

In step S1607, it is determined whether the processing device has thecut function. If the processing device does not have any cut function(NO in step S1607), the flow advances to step S1609; if the processingdevice has the cut function (YES in step S1607), to step S1608 to add acutting display layout to the stylesheet.

Finally in step S1609, the created stylesheet is downloaded to the MFP1000 via a network 104, holding the stylesheet in the stylesheet storingunit 1030.

Note that the stylesheet registration process is not limited to theabove configuration. For example, the stylesheet registration processcan also be implemented by determining the types of existing processingmachines and their functions by the operator, creating an XML code asshown in FIG. 11 by a text editor or the like, and saving the XML code.The stylesheet registration process can also be implemented by creatingan XML code using a dedicated application which automatically describesan XML code, and saving the XML code.

A stylesheet selection process of selecting a stylesheet will beexplained with reference to FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the stylesheet selection processaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

This process shows details of processes in steps S1301 to S1304 in FIG.9.

In step S1801, it is determined from JDF data whether a post printingprocess (offline process) is described. If no post printing process isdescribed (NO in step S1801), the process ends; if a post printingprocess is described (YES in step S1801), the flow advances to stepS1802.

In the example of FIG. 10, a plurality of process steps are designatedat a description 1010<JDF . . . Types=“ . . . ”>. Hence, thepresence/absence of a description of a post printing process isdetermined on the basis of the contents of the description 1010. In thiscase, a process which cannot be implemented by an inline process due tothe system configuration is determined as a post printing process(offline process).

In step S1802, post printing process information on the post printingprocess is acquired. More specifically, a character string representinga post printing process is extracted from the JDF data.

In the example of FIG. 10, a character string “folding stitchingcutting” in “Types=DisitalPrinting folding stitching cutting . . . ”represent post printing processes, and part or all of this characterstring is extracted.

In step S1803, a stylesheet selection table is looked up by using theextracted information. The stylesheet selection table corresponds to theleft table in FIG. 12.

In step S1804, it is determined whether the character string “fold”extracted from the JDF data exists in the stylesheet selection table. Ifno character string “fold” can be detected (NO in step S1804), theprocess ends; if the character string “fold” can be detected (YES instep S1804), the flow advances to step S1805.

In step S1805, it is determined whether the character string “stitch”extracted from the JDF data exists in the stylesheet selection table. Ifno character string “stitch” can be detected (NO in step S1805), theflow advances to step S1807 to select a stylesheet for fold; if thecharacter string “stitch” can be detected (YES in step S1805), the flowadvances to step S1806.

In step S1806, it is determined whether the character string “cut”extracted from the JDF data exists in the stylesheet selection table. Ifno character string “cut” can be detected (NO in step S1806), the flowadvances to step S1808 to select a stylesheet for fold & stitch; if thecharacter string “cut” can be detected (YES in step S1806), the flowadvances to step S1809 to select a stylesheet for fold & stitch & cut.

In the example of FIG. 12, Stylesheet 01 is selected in step S1807;Stylesheet 02, in step S1808; and Stylesheet 03, in step S1809.

As described above, the first embodiment can provide a printing systemcapable of giving a proper work order form to the operator regardless ofthe contents of a post process and the configuration of a postprocessing apparatus on the basis of information described in JDF data.This system implements supports for the operator and high efficiency ofall POD operations in the current POD operation environment.

Second Embodiment

The first embodiment has described a configuration in which a work orderform is generated on the basis of information designated (described) inJDF data. To the contrary, in the second embodiment, device dependenceinformation of an offline finisher that is not described in JDF data isdescribed in a stylesheet when the offline finisher is installed. Thesecond embodiment will describe a configuration in which the devicedependence information is utilized to, for example, when generating awork order form to prevent the cutting machine from cutting an outputproduct of a thickness exceeding the ability of the cutting machine.

A stylesheet registration process according to the second embodimentwill be explained with reference to FIG. 18.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the stylesheet registration processaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 18, a case wherein a processing device having a cutting functionis installed as a new processing device will be exemplified. StepsS1701, S1702, and S1706 correspond to steps S1601, S1602, and S1609 inFIG. 16, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

After processes in steps S1701 and S1702, it is determined in step S1703whether the installed device is a processing device having the cuttingfunction. If the installed device is not a processing device having thecutting function (NO in step S1703), the flow advances to step S1706; ifthe installed device is a processing device having the cutting function(YES in step S1703), to step S1704.

In step S1704, device dependence information containing informationrepresenting a thickness cuttable by the processing device is input toan application which creates a stylesheet. The cuttable thickness may bedescribed in JDF data created by the POD system or manually input by anoperator who creates a stylesheet.

In step S1705, the input device dependence information (informationrepresenting a cuttable thickness) is described in the stylesheet. Instep S1706, the created stylesheet is downloaded to an MFP 1000 via anetwork 104, holding the stylesheet containing the device dependenceinformation in a stylesheet storing unit 1030.

In FIG. 18, a processing device having the cutting function has beenexemplified. For another function, corresponding device dependenceinformation can be registered in the stylesheet by the same flow.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition tothe effects described in the first embodiment, device dependenceinformation of a finisher used can be reflected in a stylesheet togenerate the stylesheet whose contents are proper for the ability ofeach finisher.

Third Embodiment

In the first embodiment, folding, stitching, and cutting have beendescribed as examples of the post printing process. However, the presentinvention can also be applied to another process as far as the processis a post printing one.

In the second embodiment, if the character string of a post printingprocess in JDF data is not found in the stylesheet selection table, theprocess directly ends. Alternatively, the operator may be prompted toregister a new stylesheet.

Fourth Embodiment

In the above-described POD business, work is often divided between aplurality of operators depending on the post process operation.

However, when a plurality of operators do a series of post processoperations, all of them neither always equally understand how to operatethe apparatus, nor have the work ability (skill) of the same level. Insome cases, a highly skilled operator and a less skilled operator existin a series of process steps.

In a case wherein work is not divided, one operator executes a pluralityof processes. Even an operator who is highly skilled in a specificprocess may not have any high skill for work except the specificprocess.

That is, when the same work order contents are uniformly presented toall operators without considering each operator or work contentsexecuted by the operator, the business efficiency may drop depending onthe difference in skill and the difference in work in charge.

In this POD operation environment, demands also arise for aconfiguration to output a work order form which allows the operator todo work regardless of his skill.

For this purpose, the fourth embodiment premises the configurationsdescribed in the first to third embodiments, and gives a visual workorder form which can be understood by any operator regardless of hisskill in a case wherein a plurality of operators engage in a series ofwork steps. This work order form implements more advanced supports forthe operator and high efficiency of all POD operations.

The basic configuration of a printing system according to the fourthembodiment complies with that according to the first embodiment. In thefourth embodiment, a print server 20 performs a process of creating awork order form. The fourth embodiment can also be applied to a casewherein a work order form is created in an MFP, as described in thefirst embodiment. The internal configuration of the print server 20(FIG. 1) will be explained with reference to FIG. 19.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of theprint server according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

The configuration of the print server 20 can also be applied to each ofembodiments described above or to be described later.

In FIG. 19, reference numeral 2001 denotes a CPU (Central ProcessingUnit) which controls the whole print server 20 and executes arithmeticprocesses. Reference numeral 2002 denotes a RAM (Random Access Memory)functioning as a work area or temporary save area where programs anddata are loaded and executed for each process. Reference numeral 2003denotes a ROM (Read Only Memory) serving as a memory area for a systemcontrol program, font data, and the like.

Reference numeral 2004 denotes a KBC (KeyBoard Controller) whichreceives data of a key input from a keyboard (KB) 2005 and transfers itto the CPU 2001. Reference numeral 2006 denotes a PRTC (PRinTController) which controls a printer (PRT) 2007. The printer 2007 is,e.g., an MFP 24, laser beam printer, or inkjet printer.

Reference numeral 2008 denotes a DC (Display Controller) which controlsdisplay on a display (D) 2009. The display 2009 is, e.g., a CRT or LCD.Reference numeral 2010 denotes a DKC (DisK Controller) which controlsdata transmission and the like with an external storage device 2011.

The external storage device 2011 includes an FD (Floppy® Disk) 2011 a,HD (Hard Disk) 2011 b, CD-ROM 2011 c, and DVD-ROM 2011 d. Programs anddata are stored in the external storage device 2011, and referred to orloaded into the RAM 2002 in execution, as needed. Reference numeral 2012denotes a system bus serving as data transfer path between variousbuilding components of the print server 20.

The print server 20 operates when the CPU 2001 executes a basic I/O(Input/Output) program, OS (Operating System), and a printing controlprogram which implements various processes to be described later.

The basic I/O program is stored in, e.g., the ROM 2003, and the OS isstored in the HD 2011 b. When the print server 20 is powered on, the OSis loaded from the HD 2011 b into the RAM 2002 by an IPL (InitialProgram Loading) function in the basic I/O program, and the OS startsrunning.

In the fourth embodiment, the printing control program and related dataare stored in the FD 2011 a, CD-ROM 2011 c, and DVD-ROM 2011 d of theexternal storage device 2011. The printing control program and relateddata can be installed in the HD 2011 b. In this case, the printingcontrol program and related data are read out from the FD 2011 a, CD-ROM2011 c, and DVD-ROM 2011 d, installed in the HD 2011 b, and can rununder the control of the OS and basic I/O program.

The memory map of the HD 2011 b after the printing control program andrelated data are installed is made up of, e.g., the basic I/O program,OS, printing control program, related data, and work area.

The procedures of the overall printing control process according to thefourth embodiment in the printing system having the above configurationwill be explained.

A work order form generation process by the printing system according tothe fourth embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 20.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the work order form generation process bythe printing system according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

In FIG. 20, the same step numbers as those in the flowchart of FIG. 9according to the first embodiment denote the same processes, and adetailed description thereof will be omitted.

After processes in steps S1301 to S1304, page data to be applied to aselected stylesheet is extracted from PDL data in step S2001. The pagedata is used as a thumbnail image to be composited in a predeterminedarea of the stylesheet. If necessary, scaling and rotation processes areexecuted for the page data.

In step S1305, the stylesheet containing the page data created in stepS2001 is applied to JDF data. In step S1306, the generated data isrendered as work order form data formed from PDL data, and printed outto generate a work order form.

An application of JDF data to the stylesheet will be explained indetail.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are views showing examples of image data which arestored for visualization in the stylesheet according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention.

The fourth embodiment prepares actual finisher image data, and line artdata representing a finisher (post processing apparatus information on apost processing apparatus (finisher)), so as to composite these data ina predetermined area of the stylesheet. Further, the fourth embodimentprovides a range (image inserting portion) for outputting an actualimage (page data) which can be visually checked by the operator when heperforms a post printing process.

For example, FIG. 21A is a view showing a state in which a printedproduct is loaded from its short side into the sheet feed port of asaddle stitching machine serving as a finisher. FIG. 21B is a viewshowing a state in which a printed product is loaded from its long sideinto the sheet feed port of the saddle stitching machine serving as afinisher.

At the image inserting portion, the operator actually inserts, as athumbnail, an image identical to a predetermined page (e.g., first page)of a printed product output from an MFP. The operator can intuitivelyknow the setting orientation and the obverse or reverse.

Note that the post processing apparatus information may be stored in,e.g., a stylesheet storing unit 1030 or in the print server 20 inadvance. An order form generation unit 1103 can also properly acquirenecessary post processing apparatus information from a storagedestination where the post processing apparatus information is stored.

FIG. 22 is a view showing a concrete example of a work order formgenerated by applying a stylesheet to JDF data according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a work order form using the above-mentioned image datawhile applying the stylesheet in FIG. 11 to the JDF data in FIG. 10. Itis understood that the work order form is formed from visual data whichis a combination of a finisher image 2201 and printed image data 2202.For example, the order contents are more friendly to the operator thanthe work order form in FIG. 13.

The visual data formed from a combination of the finisher image andprinted image data also visualizes a process in performing a postprinting process by the finisher, and the output result of the process.Also in this case, actual page data is inserted as a thumbnail image.

For example, an image is rendered at a cover position using cover datacontained in actual PDL data, and the rendered image is composited at apredetermined cover image insertion position. That is, the visual datashows, in an easy-to-understand manner, the layout of a finally printedproduct as a result of executing all post printing processes. Theoperator can easily determine whether or not the finally printed producthas any error.

Processes such as the printout process by the MFP, the stylesheetregistration process, and the stylesheet selection process are identicalto those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will beomitted.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the printingsystem can be efficiently operated and maintained by generating a postprinting process work order form which visualizes a post printingprocess specified by JDF data and information on the post processingapparatus. Consequently, the burden of system maintenance in rearrangingor replacing offline finisher devices can be reduced.

By visualizing even an output result in a post printing process, it canbe determined whether the work is correct.

Fifth Embodiment

The fifth embodiment will explain a configuration to generate a workorder form which especially visualizes operation unit information on theoperation unit of a finisher, in addition to a finisher image in thefourth embodiment, when a work order form for the printing system isgenerated.

A work order form generation process by the printing system according tothe fifth embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 23.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the work order form generation process bythe printing system according to the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

In FIG. 23, the same step numbers as those in the flowchart of FIG. 9according to the first embodiment denote the same processes, and adetailed description thereof will be omitted.

After processes in steps S1301 to S1304, the same process as that ofstep S2001 according to the fourth embodiment is executed in step S2301.In step S2302, prepared image data of the operation unit of a finisheris extracted.

In step S1305, the stylesheet containing the visual data created insteps S2301 and S2302 is applied to JDF data. In step S1306, thegenerated data is rendered as work order form data formed from PDL data,and printed out to generate a work order form.

An application of JDF data to the stylesheet will be explained indetail.

FIG. 24 is a view showing an example of image data which is stored forvisualization in the stylesheet according to the fifth embodiment of thepresent invention.

Image data of the operation unit of a finisher has a range to output, onthe basis of an actual finisher operation unit image (operation unitinformation on the operation unit of a post processing apparatus(finisher)), actual parameter setting values which can be seen when apost printing process is done. FIG. 24 shows, as a finisher operationunit image, an image containing various parameter inserting portions atwhich input of parameter setting values settable on the operation panelis accepted.

Note that the operation unit information may be stored in, e.g., astylesheet storing unit 1030 or in a print server 20 in advance. Anorder form generation unit 1103 can also properly acquire necessaryoperation unit information from a storage destination where theoperation unit information is stored.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view showing an application of parameter settingvalues according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 25, the contents of a description 1012 are extracted asparameter setting values from JDF data in FIG. 10, and applied to thefinisher operation unit image in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a view showing a concrete example of a work order formgenerated by applying a stylesheet to JDF data according to the fifthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 shows a work order form which is printed out after thestylesheet in FIG. 11 is applied to the JDF data in FIG. 10. It isunderstood that the work order form is formed from visual data which isa combination of a finisher image 2601, printed image data 2602, and afinisher operation unit image 2603 containing parameter setting values.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, in addition tothe effects described in the fourth embodiment, a post printing processwork order form which visualizes a post printing process specified byJDF data and information on the post processing apparatus and operationunit is generated. With this work order form, the printing system can beoperated and maintained more efficiently.

Sixth Embodiment

The fourth and fifth embodiments have described a printing system whichoutputs a work order form that allows the operator to do work regardlessof his skill. However, depending on the operation environment, it isalso an important factor to individually present a work order formcorresponding to the skill and work contents of each operator.

From this, the sixth embodiment premises the configurations described inthe first to fifth embodiments, and gives an appropriate work order formin accordance with the skill and work contents of each operator in acase wherein a plurality of operators engage in a series of work steps.This work order form implements more advanced supports for the operatorand high efficiency of all POD operations.

A work order form generation process by the printing system according tothe sixth embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 27.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the work order form generation process bythe printing system according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention.

In FIG. 27, the same step numbers as those in the flowchart of FIG. 9according to the first embodiment denote the same processes, and adetailed description thereof will be omitted.

After processes in steps S1301 to S1303, a stylesheet is selected instep S2701 by looking up an operator assignment table corresponding topost printing processes. In step S1305, the stylesheet is applied to JDFdata. In step S1306, the generated data is rendered as work order formdata formed from PDL data, and printed out to generate a work orderform.

Assignment of operators will be explained.

FIGS. 28A and 28B are views for explaining assignment of operatorsaccording to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28A shows the assignment status of operators to post printingprocesses. In FIG. 28A, (1) operator A is assigned as a person in chargeof the folding process (folding machine 240), (2) operator C is assignedas a person in charge of the cutting process (cutting machine 250), and(3) operator B is assigned as a person in charge of the stitchingprocess (saddle stitching machine 260). The operator assignment statusis managed by an operator assignment table shown in FIG. 28B.

Selection of the stylesheet will be explained with reference to FIG. 29.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram for explaining selection of the stylesheetaccording to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

An MFP stylesheet selector 2903 is implemented in, e.g., an order formgeneration unit 1103 (FIG. 8), and has a process table 2905 whichmanages a combination of post printing processes in accordance withprocesses described in JDF data 2902 to be processed. A correspondingstylesheet is selected from a stylesheet selection table 2904 on thebasis of an operator assignment table 2901. For example, Stylesheet 03is selected for the JDF data in FIG. 10 and the operator assignmenttable in FIG. 28B.

Various building components shown in FIG. 29 may be configured in aprint server 20.

A concrete example of the work order form will be explained withreference to FIG. 30.

FIG. 30 is a view showing a concrete example of the work order formgenerated by applying a stylesheet to JDF data according to the sixthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 shows a work order form which is printed out on the basis of theJDF data in FIG. 10, the stylesheet in FIG. 11, and the operatorassignment table in FIG. 28B. FIG. 30 shows that a work order form isgenerated for each operator. In particular, the contents of a process ofwhich the operator is in charge are printed in each work order form sothat the process can be discriminated from another one.

An operator assignment process of setting an operator assignment tablefor post printing processes in a printer server or MFP will be explainedwith reference to FIG. 31.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the operator assignment process accordingto the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In step S3101, the current assignment state of operators to finishersused in post printing processes is displayed. This is implemented bylooking up the current operator assignment table. In step S3102, it isdetermined whether a change instruction has been input. If no changeinstruction has been input (NO in step S3102), the process ends; if achange instruction has been input (YES in step S3102), the flow advancesto step S3103.

In step S3103, operator information on an operator in charge is inputvia the assignment setting window (not shown) of each finisher. In stepS3104, the contents of the operator assignment table are temporarilyupdated on the basis of the input operator information, and the operatorassignment state is displayed on the basis of the updated contents.

In step S3105, it is determined whether an instruction to finalize theoperator assignment state has been input. That is, the operator isprompted to confirm the contents of the operator assignment state. If nofinalization instruction has been input (NO in step S3105), the flowreturns to step S3103; if a finalization instruction has been input (YESin step S3105), the contents of the operator assignment table arefinalized.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the printingsystem can be efficiently operated and maintained by generating a workorder form suited to each operator on the basis of JDF data and operatorinformation of the operator assignment table.

Note that the format of the stylesheet is not limited to one in FIG. 30.In the sixth embodiment, a work order form which clearly specifies thecontents of a process by each operator is created on the basis of thetype of post process that is described in JDF data, and information onan operator who executes the post process.

Seventh Embodiment

The seventh embodiment will describe a configuration in which, when awork order form is generated in a printing system, it is generated inaccordance with especially information on an operator in charge of apost printing process, and the skill of the operator.

An operator skill table according to the seventh embodiment will beexplained with reference to FIG. 32.

FIG. 32 is a table showing an example of the operator skill tableaccording to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

The operator skill table manages the structure of the operatormanagement table according to the sixth embodiment, and in addition theskill (level of proficiency) of each operator at a finisher used in apost printing process. The skill is expressed by “High” or “Low”, and“High” represents a higher skill than that represented by “Low”.

Selection of the stylesheet will be explained with reference to FIG. 33.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram for explaining selection of the stylesheetaccording to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

An MFP stylesheet selector 3303 is implemented in, e.g., an order formgeneration unit 1103 (FIG. 8). The stylesheet selector 3303 selects,based on processes described in JDF data 3302 to be processed, acorresponding stylesheet from a stylesheet selection table 3304 on thebasis of a process table 3305 which manages a combination of postprinting processes, an operator assignment table 3301, and an operatorskill table 3306. For example, Stylesheet 03 is selected for the JDFdata in FIG. 10, the operator assignment table in FIG. 28B, and theoperator skill table in FIG. 32.

Especially, the stylesheet selector 3303 according to the seventhembodiment operates to preferentially select an operator whose skill ateach finisher is “High”. When the skills of operators are equal, thestylesheet selector 3303 operates to preferentially select an unselectedoperator. For example, in the operator skill table of FIG. 32, operatorA is selected for the folding machine; operator B, for the saddlestitching machine; and operator C, for the cutting machine.

Various building components shown in FIG. 33 may be configured in aprint server 20. The operator assignment table and operator skill tablemay be expressed as one operator management table which manages thesepieces of operator information.

A concrete example of the work order form will be explained withreference to FIG. 34.

FIG. 34 is a view showing a concrete example of the work order formgenerated by applying a stylesheet to JDF data according to the seventhembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 shows a work order form which is printed out on the basis of theJDF data in FIG. 10, the stylesheet in FIG. 11, the operator assignmenttable in FIG. 28B, and the operator skill table in FIG. 32. It turns outfrom FIG. 34 that a work order form is generated for each operator. Inthis case, operator C has a skill “LOW”, i.e., his proficiency at aprocess is low, so operation support information 3401 for supporting theoperation is printed.

An operator skill setting process of setting an operator skill table ina print server or MFP will be explained with reference to FIG. 35.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the operator skill setting processaccording to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

In step S3501, the current setting state of operator skills at finishersused in post printing processes is displayed. This is implemented bylooking up the current operator skill table. In step S3502, it isdetermined whether a change instruction has been input. If no changeinstruction has been input (NO in step S3502), the process ends; if achange instruction has been input (YES in step S3502), the flow advancesto step S3503.

In step S3503, operator information on an operator whose skill needs tobe changed is selected. In step S3504, finisher information representinga finisher which needs to be changed is selected. In step S3505, skillinformation representing a skill is set. In step S3506, the contents ofthe operator skill table are temporarily updated on the basis of theinput operator information, finisher information, and skill information,and the operator assignment state is displayed on the basis of theupdated contents.

In step S3507, it is determined whether an instruction to finalize theoperator skill setting state has been input. That is, the operator isprompted to confirm the contents of the operator skill setting state. Ifno finalization instruction has been input (NO in step S3507), the flowreturns to step S3505; if a finalization instruction has been input (YESin step S3507), the contents of the operator skill table are finalized.

In step S3508, it is determined whether all settings of an operator to aselected finisher have ended. If all settings have not ended (NO in stepS3508), the flow returns to step S3504 to select a finisher which needsto be changed, and repeat the process. If all settings have ended (YESin step S3508), the flow advances to step S3509.

In step S3509, it is determined whether an instruction to change theskill of another operator has been input. If the change instruction hasbeen input (YES in step S3509), the flow returns to step S3503 to selectan operator and repeat the process; if no change instruction has beeninput (NO in step S3509), the process ends.

As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, in addition tothe effects described in the sixth embodiment, the printing system canbe efficiently operated and maintained by generating a work order formsuited to each operator and his skill on the basis of skill informationof the operator. As operation support information, image data describedin the fourth and fifth embodiments may also be displayed.

Since the skill of each operator who is likely to operate a finisher canbe managed in rearranging or replacing the finisher, the burden ofsystem maintenance can be reduced.

Eighth Embodiment

The first to seventh embodiments have mainly described a configurationto control the contents of a work order form. The eighth embodiment willexplain a configuration to select an optimal stylesheet to be applied toJDF data when a work order form is generated.

The configuration to be described in the eighth embodiment is effectivewhen there are a plurality of types of finishers for each model andthere are a plurality of types of stylesheets for selecting, from thefinishers, a combination of finishers used in post printing processes.

The basic configuration of a printing system according to the eighthembodiment complies with that according to the first embodiment, and adescription of the detailed configurations of an MFP and print serverwill be omitted.

A stylesheet selection process of selecting a stylesheet will beexplained with reference to FIG. 36.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the stylesheet selection processaccording to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

In step S3601, it is determined from JDF data whether a post printingprocess is described. If no post printing process is described (NO instep S3601), the process ends; if a post printing process is described(YES in step S3601), the flow advances to step S3602.

In step S3602, post printing process information on the number of postprinting processes, their types, their settings, and the like isacquired from JDF data. The number of post printing processes representshow many types of post printing processes are required.

The types of post printing processes and their settings are shown in,e.g., FIG. 37. The type of post printing process is that of necessarypost printing process, and FIG. 37 shows post printing processes by thefolding machine, cutting machine, saddle stitching machine, and casebinding machine. As the setting of, e.g., the folding machine, settingitems (half fold, short fold, 8-page parallel fold, Z fold, 8-pageaccordion fold, double fold, and the like) prepared in each finisher arepresented as folding methods prepared in the folding machine.

In step S3603, a finisher which satisfies the set condition of each postprinting process is extracted. A finisher information table in which thetypes of prepared finishers and setting items are managed as finisherinformation, as shown in FIG. 38, is managed in, e.g., the MFP inadvance. A finisher which meets settings in JDF data is selected fromthe finisher information table.

In the finisher information table of FIG. 38, the storing order offinishers in each finisher setting item is the priority order offinishers used in a post printing process at the setting item. Thepriority order is not limited to that of finishers used in a postprinting process at each setting item. For example, the priority orderof finishers for each type, or the priority order of finisherinformation set by the operator may be managed together in the finisherinformation table.

In step S3604, combination information is created in which allcombinations of finishers that satisfy set post printing processes areselected from selected finishers in accordance with a combination of setpost printing processes.

In step S3605, a combination having the highest priority is selectedfrom the created finisher combination information. For example, in FIG.38, the priority order is determined for each setting item of eachfinisher, i.e., each post printing process. A combination having thehighest priority is determined on the basis of the sum of all prioritiesused in combinations selected from the combination information.

In step S3606, a stylesheet which is created and held for the finallyselected combination information is acquired. The stylesheet is managedby the stylesheet selection table for each setting item of each finisheror each combination of setting items.

In step S3607, work order form data is generated by applying theacquired stylesheet to JDF data. FIG. 39 shows an example of a workorder form generated from a stylesheet prepared for each setting of eachfinisher. FIG. 40 shows an example of a work order form generated from astylesheet in which a plurality of post printing processes are combined.

In FIG. 39, it turns out by looking up the finisher information tablethat finisher A is used at the highest priority for “half fold” and“short fold”. Thus, a stylesheet corresponding to finisher A is selectedto generate a work order form. As for “8-page parallel fold”, it turnsout by looking up the finisher information table that finisher C is usedat the highest priority. Thus, a stylesheet corresponding to finisher Cis selected to generate a work order form.

In FIG. 40, it turns out by looking up the finisher information tablethat finishers A and C are used at the high priority for a combinationof “half fold” and “short fold”. Thus, stylesheets corresponding tofinishers A and C are selected to generate a work order form.

As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, a finisherinformation table which manages finishers in an optimal order whenfinishers available for the same post printing process are utilized, andstylesheets corresponding to the finishers are managed. A stylesheet forusing a finisher optimal for a target post printing process can beselected to generate a work order form on the basis of the stylesheet.

As a result, a more optimal work order form can be provided for eachpost printing process, and supports for the operator and high efficiencyof all POD operations in the current POD operation environment can beachieved.

Ninth Embodiment

The eighth embodiment has described a configuration in which availablefinishers are managed in the priority order for each setting item ofeach finisher, and a final stylesheet is selected on the basis of thepriority order. To the contrary, the ninth embodiment will explain aconfiguration in which stylesheets for defining a combination ofavailable finishers are managed for a combination of post printingprocesses, and a final stylesheet is selected on the basis of thecombination.

The ninth embodiment will describe this configuration.

A stylesheet selection process of selecting a stylesheet will beexplained with reference to FIG. 41.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the stylesheet selection processaccording to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

In step S4101, it is determined from JDF data whether a post printingprocess is described. If no post printing process is described (NO instep S4101), the process ends; if a post printing process is described(YES in step S4101), the flow advances to step S4102.

In step S4102, post printing process information on the number of postprinting processes, their types, their settings, and the like isacquired from the JDF data.

In step S4103, stylesheets corresponding to a combination of the typesof designated post printing processes are selected. In this case,stylesheets which comply with a combination of post printing processesdesignated by settings are selected from information (stylesheetinformation) on stylesheets which are prepared for respectivecombinations of various types of post printing processes. When the typesof post printing processes designated by settings represent a cuttingmachine and saddle stitching machine, stylesheets AA and CC areselected.

Note that the stylesheet information is managed in, e.g., the stylesheetselection table in the MFP. In the ninth embodiment, managed stylesheetinformation corresponds to each combination of various post printingprocesses. Thus, this stylesheet information manages the types offinishers corresponding to various post printing processes, the types ofpost printing processes executable by each finisher, and the finisherarrangement position (online finisher/near-line finisher/offlinefinisher) in the printing system.

In step S4104, a stylesheet suitable for performing a process designatedby JDF data is selected from the stylesheets selected in step S4103 onthe basis of finisher information held in advance and the settings ofthe post printing processes that are acquired in step S4102. When postprinting processes using a cutting machine and saddle stitching machineare designated by JDF data, stylesheets AA and CC are selected in stepS4103 in accordance with stylesheet information of FIG. 42. When saddlestitching set by the JDF data exceeds a thickness of 30 mm, a stylesheetin which a saddle stitching machine designated by the stylesheet meetsthis saddle stitching setting is selected from stylesheets AA and CC.

In step S4105, it is determined whether a plurality of stylesheets havebeen selected as a result of the stylesheet selection process so far. Ifonly one stylesheet has been selected (NO in step S4105), the flowadvances to step S4111; if a plurality of stylesheets have been selected(YES in step S4105), to step S4106.

In step S4106, a stylesheet in which finishers used include a near-linefinisher, or a larger number of near-line finishers are used is selectedfrom the selected stylesheets. That is, a stylesheet is selected bygiving priority to a near-line finisher.

In step S4107, it is determined whether a plurality of stylesheets havebeen selected as a result of the stylesheet selection process so far. Ifonly one stylesheet has been selected (NO in step S4107), the flowadvances to step S4111; if a plurality of stylesheets have been selected(YES in step S4107), to step S4108.

In step S4108, a stylesheet in which the smallest number of finishersare used is selected from the selected stylesheets. That is, astylesheet which designates a finisher capable of performing a pluralityof processes in post printing processes designated by the JDF data isselected.

In step S4109, it is determined whether a plurality of stylesheets havebeen selected as a result of the stylesheet selection process so far. Ifonly one stylesheet has been selected (NO in step S4109), the flowadvances to step S4111; if a plurality of stylesheets have been selected(YES in step S4109), to step S4110.

In step S4110, a stylesheet having the highest priority is selected fromthe remaining stylesheets. This selection is based on priority assignedin advance to each combination of various post printing processes, asrepresented by the stylesheet information in FIG. 42. Especially in FIG.42, the storing order is the priority order of stylesheets used in postprinting processes. In step S4111, the acquired stylesheet is applied tothe JDF data to generate work order form data.

As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, in addition tothe effects described in the eighth embodiment, stylesheet informationon available stylesheets is managed for each combination of postprinting processes. On the basis of the stylesheet information, astylesheet optimal for a target post printing process can be selected togenerate a work order form based on the stylesheet.

Note that the first to ninth embodiments are merely examples, and anembodiment may be implemented by arbitrarily combining these embodimentsin accordance with the application purpose. For example, selection ofthe stylesheet in the eighth or ninth embodiment and generation of thework order form in the first embodiment may be combined.

Various processes described in the embodiments are implemented by theprint server and MFP, but are not limited to them. In all theembodiments, all processes except printing may be implemented in theprint server, or all processes may be implemented in the MFP.Alternatively, all processes may be implemented in an external apparatus(e.g., personal computer) other than the MFP or print server.

In any case, the MFP, print server, external apparatus, or a combinationof them can function as an information processing apparatus whichimplements various processes described in the above embodiments.

Note that the present invention can be applied to an apparatuscomprising a single device or to system constituted by a plurality ofdevices.

Furthermore, the invention can be implemented by supplying a softwareprogram, which implements the functions of the foregoing embodiments,directly or indirectly to a system or apparatus, reading the suppliedprogram code with a computer of the system or apparatus, and thenexecuting the program code. In this case, so long as the system orapparatus has the functions of the program, the mode of implementationneed not rely upon a program.

Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention areimplemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer alsoimplements the present invention. In other words, the claims of thepresent invention also cover a computer program for the purpose ofimplementing the functions of the present invention.

In this case, so long as the system or apparatus has the functions ofthe program, the program may be executed in any form, such as an objectcode, a program executed by an interpreter, or scrip data supplied to anoperating system.

Example of storage media that can be used for supplying the program area floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, aCD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile type memorycard, a ROM, and a DVD (DVD-ROM and a DVD-R).

As for the method of supplying the program, a client computer can beconnected to a website on the Internet using a browser of the clientcomputer, and the computer program of the present invention or anautomatically-installable compressed file of the program can bedownloaded to a recording medium such as a hard disk. Further, theprogram of the present invention can be supplied by dividing the programcode constituting the program into a plurality of files and downloadingthe files from different websites. In other words, a WWW (World WideWeb) server that downloads, to multiple users, the program files thatimplement the functions of the present invention by computer is alsocovered by the claims of the present invention.

It is also possible to encrypt and store the program of the presentinvention on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distribute the storagemedium to users, allow users who meet certain requirements to downloaddecryption key information from a website via the Internet, and allowthese users to decrypt the encrypted program by using the keyinformation, whereby the program is installed in the user computer.

Besides the cases where the aforementioned functions according to theembodiments are implemented by executing the read program by computer,an operating system or the like running on the computer may perform allor a part of the actual processing so that the functions of theforegoing embodiments can be implemented by this processing.

Furthermore, after the program read from the storage medium is writtento a function expansion board inserted into the computer or to a memoryprovided in a function expansion unit connected to the computer, a CPUor the like mounted on the function expansion board or functionexpansion unit performs all or a part of the actual processing so thatthe functions of the foregoing embodiments can be implemented by thisprocessing.

As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present inventioncan be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Application No.2005-118978, filed on Apr. 15, 2005 which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. An information processing apparatus which generates, on the basis ofjob management information of a printing job for a printing system thatimplements various processes by a printing apparatus and a postprocessing apparatus, work order form data of a post printing process tobe executed by the post processing apparatus, comprising: analysis meansfor analyzing the job management information; extraction means forextracting post printing process information on the post printingprocess from the job management information on the basis of an analysisresult of said analysis means; stylesheet storing means for storing astylesheet for reflecting the post printing process information in apredetermined format; and generation means for generating work orderform data of the post printing process on the basis of the stylesheetstored in said stylesheet storing means and the post printing processinformation.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprisingoutput means for outputting the work order form data generated by saidgeneration means.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein saidoutput means outputs the work order form data to a printing apparatusconnected via a network.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, whereinsaid output means includes printing means for printing a work order formbased on the work order form data.
 5. The apparatus according to claim1, wherein said stylesheet storing means stores a plurality of types ofstylesheets corresponding to combinations of types of post printingprocesses and process orders, and the information processing apparatusfurther comprises selection means for selecting, from said stylesheetstoring means, a stylesheet corresponding to a type of the post printingprocess that is represented by the post printing process informationextracted by said extraction means.
 6. The apparatus according to claim5, further comprising holding means for holding post processingapparatus information on a post processing apparatus which executes thepost printing process, wherein said generation means generates workorder form data of the post printing process on the basis of the postprocessing apparatus information, the stylesheet selected by saidselection means, and the post printing process information.
 7. Theapparatus according to claim 6, wherein the post processing apparatusinformation includes an image of the post processing apparatus.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 7, wherein said generation means generatesa display image by compositing a predetermined page image together withthe image of the post processing apparatus on the basis of the postprinting process information and the printing job.
 9. The apparatusaccording to claim 5, further comprising holding means for holdingoperation unit information on an operation unit of a post processingapparatus which executes the post printing process, wherein saidgeneration means generates work order form data of the post printingprocess on the basis of the operation unit information, the stylesheetselected by said selection means, and the post printing processinformation.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein theoperation unit information includes an image of the operation unit ofthe post processing apparatus, and said generation means generates adisplay image including a parameter setting value to be displayed at apredetermined position of the image of the operation unit in accordancewith the post printing process information.
 11. The apparatus accordingto claim 5, further comprising operator information storing means forstoring operator information on an operator of the post processingapparatus, wherein said selection means refers to said operatorinformation storing means to select operator information of a postprocessing apparatus which executes the post printing processrepresented by the post printing process information extracted by saidextraction means, and said generation means generates work order formdata corresponding to the operator information selected by saidselection means.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein theoperator information includes skill information representing a level ofproficiency of an operator at the post processing apparatus.
 13. Theapparatus according to claim 5, further comprising post processingapparatus information storing means for storing post processingapparatus information containing a type of the post processingapparatus, a setting item of each type of post processing apparatus, andpost processing apparatus information containing priority, wherein saidstylesheet storing means stores a plurality of types of stylesheetscorresponding to the post processing apparatus information, and saidselection means refers to said post processing apparatus informationstoring means to select post processing apparatus informationcorresponding to the post printing process information extracted by saidextraction means, and selects a stylesheet corresponding to the selectedpost processing apparatus information from said stylesheet storingmeans.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the priorityincludes at least one of a priority for each type of post processingapparatus, a priority for each setting item, and a priority set for thepost processing apparatus information.
 15. The apparatus according toclaim 13, wherein said selection means refers to said post processingapparatus information storing means and generates, on the basis of thenumber of post printing processes, types of the post printing processes,and setting items that are represented by the post printing processinformation extracted by said extraction means, combination informationof post processing apparatus information that satisfies the postprinting process information, and when pieces of combination informationexist, selects combination information formed from a combination havingthe highest priority from the pieces of combination information, andselects a stylesheet corresponding to the selected combinationinformation from said stylesheet storing means.
 16. The apparatusaccording to claim 15, wherein when a plurality of stylesheetscorresponding to the combination information exist, said selection meansselects a stylesheet corresponding to the combination information fromthe plurality of stylesheets in said stylesheet storing means on thebasis of an arrangement position of the post processing apparatus in theprinting system, a type of post printing process executable by the postprocessing apparatus, and a preset priority that are defined by thestylesheet.
 17. A method of controlling an information processingapparatus which generates, on the basis of job management information ofa printing job for a printing system that implements various processesby a printing apparatus and a post processing apparatus, work order formdata of a post printing process to be executed by the post processingapparatus, comprising: an analysis step of analyzing the job managementinformation; an extraction step of extracting post printing processinformation on the post printing process from the job managementinformation on the basis of an analysis result of the analysis step; anda generation step of generating work order form data of the postprinting process on the basis of the post printing process information,and a stylesheet stored in a stylesheet storing unit which stores astylesheet for reflecting the post printing process information in apredetermined format.
 18. A computer-readable medium, storing a programfor implementing control of an information processing apparatus whichgenerates, on the basis of job management information of a printing jobfor a printing system that implements various processes by a printingapparatus and a post processing apparatus, work order form data of apost printing process to be executed by the post processing apparatus,comprising: a program code for an analysis step of analyzing the jobmanagement information; a program code for an extraction step ofextracting post printing process information on the post printingprocess from the job management information on the basis of an analysisresult of the analysis step; and a program code for a generation step ofgenerating work order form data of the post printing process on thebasis of the post printing process information, and a stylesheet storedin a stylesheet storing unit which stores a stylesheet for reflectingthe post printing process information in a predetermined format.